The Ulsan Metropolitan Library

Posted by Ulsan Online on Apr 28, 2018 in
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April 2018

The Ulsan Metropolitan Library recently opened it’s doors near Samsandong. This modern library is a great addition to Ulsan and an extremely functional space for the public. What makes this library great is the fact that they made great use of the space making something that is enjoyable for all ages with modern up-to-date features.

Getting a Library Card

In order to take books home, you will need a library card. You can use any computer in the library to register or online here (Korean language Only). Once you have registered, you can then take your Alien Registration Card to the information desk and they will issue you your card. If you have a card already from any other library in the city, you can use it at the Ulsan Metropolitan Library.

Sadly, the registration uses either your phone or i-Pin registration, so if you are having trouble, please talk to the helpful staff and they will get you sorted out. You also don’t need a library card to enjoy the services there. From what I saw, you can read and use the space without having a library card.

Outside the Library

One of the great things about this place is that they took notice of the grounds and created useable spaces for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Outside you will find a children’s playground, a waterfall, reflecting pool, a large yellow “101 table” and numerous benches to relax and listen to the sounds of the falling water.

The library sits on edge of the Yeocheon Creek which means that you can walk along the creek from Daldong to the library with ease. It also is set back a bit from the road and this adds to a sense of “elsewhereness” that can be beneficial for those looking to grab a book and relax for a while.

1st Floor

There is a lot to do at the library and the main floor is the epicentre. Here you will find the children’s library, digital media library, a theatre that plays movies (currently playing animation for kids like Big Hero 6), an auditorium, and a library for disabled people.

This is also where you can store your stuff in a locker or drop off your books as well. There are a lot of digital services around from touch screens loaded with the latest newspapers to table-sized computers allowing you to browse the internet.

If you have any questions, head over to the information desk on the 1st floor and they will help you. At the moment, they are quite busy but the are many volunteers around that can provide some assistance.

2nd Floor

You can either take the stairs or the elevator to each floor. However, the way that this library has been built, the stairs are a great way to se everything. On the second floor you will find the Book Cafe which is Singular’s second location in Ulsan. If you are unfamiliar with this cafe, it is one of Ulsan’s best. Their main location is in a hannock traditional home near the Stadium in Mugeodong. The cafe overlooks the main floor from above and is beautifully decorated. The coffee is some of the best in the city.

This floor also has a Korean food cafeteria that is quite reasonably priced. You can get basics like a pork cutlet for around 5,500 won or curry rice with a pork cutlet for 5,000 won. There is also a space that you can sit outside and enjoy your meals or some snacks. With the weather as nice as it is now, this is a great feature.

There are also club rooms and seminar rooms on this floor that are available to rent for certain occasions.

3rd Floor

This is the main library and it is a beautiful one. It is well organized and extremely quiet. If you head to your immediate right upon entering the library, you will find a small but decent selection of books not only in English but Chinese, Indian, Cambodian, Russian and many more. This section is labelled the “multicultural section” and is surround by places to sit and study.

The rest of the library is filled with Korean language books on all topics. There are many places to sit and read in peace. Most of the chairs are design with comfort and posture in mind. Not to mention that the tables have ports to plug in your devices.

Should your phone ring, there are small rooms to jump into and talk without bothering the others. There is also a number of study rooms that you can reserve ahead of time to use if you have a group of you who want to study together. A copy room is also available near the phone booths in the far left hand corner of the library. Should you need to step outside, there is also a small rooftop garden on this floor.

Getting There

Bus: The Library has it’s own bus stop (울산도서관) “Ulsan do-seo-gwan” and village buses 927 and 945 go there. There is also a stop outside on the road (현대문화아파트1차) “hyundai munhwa ah-pat-uh il-cha” and the regular buses that stop there are 945, 107, 407, 715, and 724.

Car: Coming from Samsandong (lotte department store) head past the the department store and the bus terminals on Hwahap-ro and continue until you get to the intersection before the Yeocheon bridge. You will see the SK gas station on your left. Take a left here and drive about 1 minute and you will see the library on your right. Alternately, if you are at E-mart, you just drive past the store toward yeocheon creek (end of that road) and turn right on kkotdaenari-ro and go about 1 minute and you will see the entrance on your left.